From First Responders to Paranormal Investigators: The DeFlorios’ Supernatural Journey

Chris and Harmony DeFlorio once served New York City through conventional means – he as an NYPD officer in Harlem’s 32nd Precinct for 20 years, and she as an FDNY Emergency Medical Technician. Their careers in public service ended for different reasons: Chris retired after two decades of service, while Harmony stepped away following a lupus diagnosis. But their commitment to helping others never wavered. Instead, it transformed into something extraordinary – a calling to investigate paranormal phenomena and combat what they describe as demonic presences. For the past four years, the couple has investigated nearly a thousand cases without charging a penny, viewing their work as a spiritual mission rather than a business venture. The Ronkonkoma, Long Island couple sees themselves as modern-day versions of famous paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, whose work inspired “The Conjuring” film franchise.

Their supernatural journey, however, hasn’t been without its challenges and frightening warnings. In 2019, Chris experienced what he describes as a prophetic dream that would later force them to reconsider their calling. “I had a vivid dream that I was in a hotel room, confronting demons – but I was being defeated,” Chris recalls. In this disturbing vision, a man in a robe with an inverted cross attacked him, followed by the appearance of a woman and a young girl who delivered an ominous threat: “Do you know what happened to the last person who tried to do what you’re going to do? He’s not here anymore.” The entities warned that if Chris continued his paranormal work, his family would become targets. Despite the frightening experience, Chris initially persisted, immersing himself in demonology studies and the works of renowned Catholic exorcists including Malachi Martin and Fathers Chad Ripperger and Gabriele Amorth.

The warning dreams persisted, culminating in a particularly chilling experience last year. In a subsequent dream, the same mother and child appeared again, this time delivering a simple but terrifying message: “We told you to stay away.” Remarkably, the very next day, Chris and Harmony received a desperate call from a Long Island mother claiming that a mirror had been violently thrown from her wall, nearly injuring her toddlers. When the DeFlorios arrived at the home, Bible and crucifix in hand, Chris heard those same six words from his dream whispered directly into his ear – not in a dream this time, but in waking reality. “It went right through me,” he remembers. As he began reciting religious commands, he sensed a dark presence surrounding him. Though their intervention apparently calmed the disturbances in that home, the repeated supernatural warnings left Chris deeply shaken, particularly concerning the safety of his family.

The threats proved effective for a time. For nearly a year, the DeFlorios took a hiatus from their paranormal work, with Chris admitting, “A lot of the calls kept coming in, but I kept finding excuses not to go.” His primary concern wasn’t for himself but for his loved ones, especially their three-year-old twin grandsons. The decision to step back wasn’t made lightly – after investigating hundreds of cases and dedicating themselves to helping families experiencing unexplained phenomena, the break represented a significant personal struggle. Throughout their paranormal career, the couple has approached their investigations through a religious lens, believing that their work represents a spiritual battle rather than merely documenting strange occurrences. They bring religious items to investigations and view their role as messengers working through divine power rather than by their own abilities.

After a year-long break, the DeFlorios have recently decided to resume their paranormal investigations, driven by what they describe as a spiritual calling that transcends their personal fears. “We decided, we need to do this. We’re called to do this,” Chris explains, reflecting on how he had been “thinking with human reasons and forgetting the God factor.” Harmony echoes this sentiment, emphasizing their belief that they serve as vessels for divine intervention: “We’re just His messengers, it’s really not us doing the work – it’s all His prayers and His blessings, and they help people.” Their return to paranormal investigation coincides with the release of “The Conjuring: Last Rites,” the final installment in the horror franchise that portrays work similar to their own, which Chris suggests is part of why “we know we can’t remain silent” about their experiences and mission.

The DeFlorios’ story represents a remarkable transition from conventional first responders to self-described “demonologists” confronting what they believe are supernatural forces. While skeptics might question the reality of their experiences, the couple’s sincerity and dedication to helping troubled families at no cost speaks to their genuine belief in their mission. Their journey highlights how people can find new purpose after traditional careers end, particularly when that new direction aligns with deeply held spiritual beliefs. Despite the frightening warnings and supernatural encounters they claim to have experienced, the DeFlorios ultimately chose to return to their unconventional calling, guided by faith rather than fear. Whether one views their work as battling actual demons or providing comfort to people experiencing unexplained phenomena, their commitment to serving others has remained consistent throughout their transition from city employees to paranormal investigators. They continue to offer their services free of charge, believing that their mission transcends monetary compensation.